Athena – Taste of India – Desi Curry in Athens

Taste of India (Pl. Theatro 22, Athina) was discovered two days ago during our wanderings behind the Athens Fruit Market. Here lies a cluster of Indian Cafe-Restaurants selling what is best described as Desi Cooking. Don’t expect a Menu or glamorous surroundings, one is here – to eat.
Having popped in to see what was on offer previously, Keema Mutter was what Hector had in mind. The owner had talked Marg and Hector through the dishes on display, he was not on the premises this morning as we took our seats in the lower seating area to the left of the large glass (open) doorway. His Lady was, and she smiled in recognition from the Kitchen which could be seen across the counter. Her son would be our Waiter.

Steve arrived moments after the 11.30 rendezvous and failed to spot the open door. He was guided by our Waiter who then took us through the Fayre once more. The Keema Mutter was there along with a Dark Chicken Curry. The latter was not for me, though Steve was intrigued. He would ask for Half Keema Mutter, Half Chicken Curry with Chapattis. A Paratha would accompany my choice, plus a Samosa for Marg. Marg is becoming our Samosa Expert.

Seating around forty, Taste of India has only opened recently though we never did establish exactly when. With a southerly aspect and located on the corner of the square, this is a very bright venue. The sun was streaming in, an entity we have not seen much of this week.
The Waiter brought two plates of Raita with Side Salad and a plate of Fetta and Olives. Clive, eat your heart out. This was novel, I have enjoyed the occasional Curry containing Olives, but Fetta too! Another Salad was presented, how much Salad could we eat?
First of our actual order to arrive was the Paratha, it was fair to assume the Keema Mutter was imminent.

The Paratha was underdone, too light and needed a bit more to create the Flaky Texture I particularly enjoy. A tiny portion of Lime Pickle was placed beside me –

For the Paratha – I was instructed.

Keema – said the Waiter as he placed a karahi on a cork table mat in front of Steve.
Was this not what Hector had ordered?  I took the karahi and began eating.

Good Flavours, a decent Kick. Hang on, Mince does not come in Big Lumps. Chicken? This was Steve’s. I handed it over. I recalled how in a previous life, I used to be amazed at how Nigerians cook Chicken in a Dark and Spicy Sauce, this was something similar I deduced until Steve hit the Mother-lode. This Chicken is Lamb. Lost in translation. The Dish had also cooled and so Steve sent it back to be reheated.

Marg was served two Samosas with a Soupçon of Chana Curry. Having delved into the Olives, Fetta and Salad, Marg was doing well.
Lovely Chickpeas – said Marg. I’m enjoying my Samosas, lovely and hot, just made.  (Note to self, Marg currently enjoys Chickpeas and also orders Falafel.)
Steve’s Curry Combo was returned to him, he was now more than satisfied. Nothing could surely match yesterday’s Mutton Karahi at Pak Taka Tak a few metres down the street. What were the chances of finding two outstanding sources of Curry within 30 metres of each other? Steve was very impressed with his Curry Combo. The best Chicken I’ve ever tasted – as he realised I had nothing to eat.

Where’s The Hector Curry?
We let more time pass. The Waiter had visited the table regularly to bring all that had been served, but was now invisible. Finally he was back.

My Keema Mutter?
He returned again – Sorry, my mistake, only Keema?
Given that merely a reheat was required, more time passed than was anticipated. What finally came was remarkably unlike that which had been served to Steve.

The Combo’s Masala was more abundant, from the Lamb Curry that used to be Chicken. The Keema Mutter set before me was as Dry as it should be. The Ginger Strips spread on top alternated with another Vegetable. Slivers of Capsicum were the obvious conclusion. Isolating one, behold Carrot!

Dear Ahmed, when you read this… has Hector not presented the theory before about the possible inclusion of Carrot as the Secret Ingredient which gives the unique flavour in the Curry House we both love?  Does Carrot add an alternate Flavour Dimension?  Next time I cook.
Tomatoes also featured in this Melange. This was an excellent Keema Mutter, containing far more than simply Mince and Peas.
The Paratha, now cool was an OK accompaniment. Realising my predicament, the Waiter spontaneously brought me a freshly prepared Chapatti, much better. Were these in fact Chapattis. Thicker than the norm, but Thinner than a Naan, they were somewhere between Naan and Pitta as there was an air pocket inside. Whatever, delightful, a new Bread experience.
For the second day in a row there was the exclamation – Bloody Hell.

This looks the Biz – was my reaction on seeing the served Keema Mutter. The more I ate, the better it became.  This was one mighty Keema Mutter.

The Bill
After yesterday’s most modest contribution to the coffers of Pak Taka Tak, there was speculation as to how small today’s Bill could be. €17.00. Nothing was itemised, and with no Menu, there was no way of knowing what was what. Still, another modest sum for feeding and filling three diners.

The Aftermath
I handed over the Calling Card and received three in exchange. Taste of India do deliveries, but not as far as Scotland.
Mother was still full of smiles but declined to leave the kitchen for a Photo Opperchancity. Mein Host was back, and so we were thanked for keeping our words and coming back.
Lovely people, outstanding Curry, OK décor. We shall certainly visit Taste of India again.
Beware of Lamb masquerading as Chicken.

Having failed to find the Green Garden  on Geraniou on Day 1 of this trip, we covered the length of the street where Hector’s Athens Curry Experiences began.  No sign of it but behold another Indian Restaurant opposite Rajdhani.  This eponymous venue does look down market.  Hold me back.

Next, a walk up Mt. Lycabattus. We needed the exercise.  As all who know about the Adiabatic Lapse Rate, it was even colder at the the summit.

It was 22°C in Athens this time last year.